Hummels hints at disharmony in Germany squad

30 September 2013 02:16

Out-of-favour defender Mats Hummels has hinted at a lack of open dialogue in the Germany squad ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers.

"In the Germany team, they don't like to hear criticism," Hummels told magazine Kicker with Germany coach Joachim Loew set to name his squad on Friday for October's qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.

"I don't think it's bad if you criticise me. In return I'll speak my mind if I find something less than perfect."

After a poor performance in Germany's 3-all friendly draw with Paraguay in August, Hummels was on the bench for Germany's 3-0 win over Austria in Munich earlier this month, then the 3-0 away win at Faroe Islands in World Cup qualifiers.

Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng partnered Arsenal's Per Mertesacker at centre-back and Hummels is likely to be on the bench for the games against Ireland in Cologne on October 11, then away to Sweden four days later in Stockholm.

Since winning his first cap in May 2010, Hummels has made 25 appearances for Germany, but says he has had to work harder for a place in the starting team than some colleagues in the national side.

"I do believe that I have to work harder for my place than others," said Hummels.

"I had to wait a long time to be selected and play, despite good performances at club level.

"I know I have not always put in good performances for Germany, but most of the bad performances were in friendlies, where the defence has traditionally not done so well, regardless of who played.

"Then the whole team didn't defend as well as was necessary."

But Hummels said he plans on putting in some good performances for his club Borussia Dortmund, who play Marseille on Tuesday in the Champions Leeague, to make sure he plays at next year's World Cup in Brazil.

"At the World Cup, there should be no other option but me for him (Loew)," said Hummels.